*** 1/2, VARIOUS ARTISTS, “Dead Man Walking, the Score” Columbia
Bruce Springsteen got the Oscar nomination for his song from Tim Robbins’ death penalty drama, but it’s the voice of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the music composed and compiled by Robbins’ brother David that truly evoke and illuminate the spiritual conflicts of the film.
“The Face of Love” and “The Long Road,” the lengthy pieces featuring Khan and Eddie Vedder, are the prizes (shorter versions are on the recent album of songs “inspired by” the movie). Their extended modal excursions, with Khan’s ensemble joined by guitarist Ry Cooder on “The Face of Love,” are as otherworldly yet earthy as the Louisiana landscape. Khan’s sublime, prayerful moans key Robbins’ shorter, scene-related pieces, while two Armenian flute solos, an exuberant gospel number and a Cooder collaboration with Indian musician V.M. Bhatt are perfect complements on the most effectively original score since Cooder’s landmark “Paris, Texas.”
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